Iowa's Ava Heiden Shines in Convincing Win Over Nebraska

Sophomore center scores career-high 27 points to lead Hawkeyes to 80-67 victory

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The No. 13 Iowa women's basketball team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 80-67 behind a dominant performance from sophomore center Ava Heiden, who scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The win was Iowa's second in a row and secured the Hawkeyes' 10th consecutive 20-win season under head coach Jan Jensen.

Why it matters

Iowa has been one of the top women's basketball programs in the country over the past decade, and this win over a Big Ten rival continues to showcase the team's depth and talent. Heiden's breakout game also solidifies her status as one of the rising stars in the sport.

The details

Heiden was extremely efficient, shooting 12-of-15 from the field. Her 18 first-half points helped Iowa take a 45-27 lead into halftime. Even though Nebraska made a run in the third quarter, the Hawkeyes never relinquished their lead thanks to Heiden's continued production. Sophomore guard Taylor Stremlow also had a career-high 17 points, while Chazadi Wright and Journey Houston reached double figures as well.

  • The game was played on February 16, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Iowa secured its 10th consecutive 20-win season with the victory.

The players

Ava Heiden

Iowa's sophomore center, the team's leading scorer and a rising star in women's college basketball.

Jan Jensen

The head coach of the Iowa women's basketball team, who has led the Hawkeyes to 10 straight 20-win seasons.

Taylor Stremlow

Iowa's sophomore guard, who scored a career-high 17 points in the win over Nebraska.

Chazadi Wright

Iowa's junior guard, who scored 14 points and dished out 7 assists in the victory.

Journey Houston

Iowa's sophomore forward, who contributed 10 points to the Hawkeyes' winning effort.

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What’s next

The Hawkeyes will look to continue their strong season with upcoming games against Purdue, No. 6 Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin to close out the regular season.

The takeaway

Iowa's women's basketball program has established itself as one of the best in the country, and this win over Nebraska showcases the team's depth and talent, led by the standout performance of sophomore center Ava Heiden.